I worked with Gus (I called him Gustifer because I figured it was his real, long name :-) for many years at SCFD Station One. What a pleasant guy to spend 24 hours with!  I tried to emulate his attention to his job and his never cutting corners.  One day we had just returned from a call (I wasn't usually sitting in the cab with him, but I was this day) and I asked him what is the biggest problem the department faces and he replied instantly, "Communication."  Later in my career I was in charge of the Fire Chief's Directives and I never forgot what Gus told me and I was CONSTANTLY doing the best I could to improve the Department's communication.
Thanks Gus!

Dear Janice and family:

I just learned of Gus's passing, I'm so sorry,  we certainly would have been there to lend our support to you and yours had we known.  Although we didn't see Gus often in the last few years, when we did see him it was like minutes since we played ball or enjoyed the races.  Take care and know we're thinking of you.


Sending so much love to the Oberthier family. I've known Gus and Janice since my first memories at the Kingdom hall as a small child. But it was my  daughter Elizabeth that helped me get to know Gus better. She referred to him as  Gus Gus and was convinced he knew Cinderella.  He always made her smile. He listened to her babble on and pretended to understand everything she said. One of her  favorite memories that she wanted to share is when he would invite her over the house when she was around 5. He would pretend that he needed help rounding up the kittens. She spent many hours running around and playing with the kittens and petting Janice's bunnies.  Gus had the art if making each person who spoke to him feel heard and important. He never acted like you were bothering him. The love he and Janice had was so beautiful. Everyone deserves to find a love like that! Thank you Janice for being a best friend to my mom and sharing your best friend with my family! 

Gus was a great firefighter and brother to all of us who were lucky enough to work with him at Santa Clara Fire Department.  We will all miss him.

I worked with Gus out of Santa Clara Fire Department, Station One.  I could always depend on Gus for logical, intelligent information. It was a pleasure to work with him.  I knew I could always count on his expertise to be an excellent part of the team at an emergency. I remember Gus as  a quiet, confident man and a good guy with which it was a  pleasure to spend 24 hours.  I've attached a photo I took at our "retired guys luncheon" in 2015 of Gus and Jim Solden (both men I looked up to and considered my mentors).

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Gus Oberthier

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Gus Hubbard Oberthier

November 25, 1934 – February 3, 2020

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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